Springboard to Host Poetry Out Loud Competition

On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at 8:30 a.m., Springboard to Learning will host the St. Louis City Regional Competition of Poetry Out Loud. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation contest open to all high school students. The Poetry Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts conduct the competition in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The Missouri Arts Council and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education collaborate to bring this program to Missouri. Poetry Out Loud builds students’ speaking skills, develops appreciation for poetry, increases self-confidence and poise, and awards scholarship prizes.

In January, St. Louis high schools held poetry recitation competitions. The winners from Crossroads College Preparatory School, Metro Academic and Classical High School, St. Louis University High School, and Central Visual and Performing Arts High School will compete at the regional competition at Springboard. The winner of the regional round will compete in the state competition on March 8 in Jefferson City.

Learn why students and teachers are excited about Poetry Out Loud by viewing this five-minute video.

Springboard to Learning is located at 1310 Papin Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. The competition will be held in the community room on the first floor. For more information or to get involved, contact Debora Grandison at dgrandison@springboardstl.org or 636-236-6254.